Whether this past year has brought joy, disappointment or a lukewarm combination of both, this weekend offers 2023 one last chance of redemption. Here’s some events happening around Whidbey Island.

North Whidbey

Between 5 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30, community members can enjoy music, meditate and practice some spiritual cleansing with Whidbey-based artist Celia Farran. The Solstice/New Year’s Concert-Experience takes place at the Eternal Spring Church, located at 3096 Hunt Road in Oak Harbor, while those who can’t participate in person can attend the livestream. Prospective guests pay $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the event.

On Sunday, Dec. 31, families and friends can challenge each other and knock down 2023 at Oak Bowl & Mario’s Pizza, located at 531 South East Midway Boulevard in Oak Harbor. From 6 to 8:30 p.m., it’s family time. With $135 plus tax, families have access to a lane, rental shoes for up to six people, six $5 arcade cards, party favors for the kids, a pitcher of soda and an extra large pizza with two toppings. There will also be a countdown at 8 p.m. for kids with early bedtimes. Older guests can bring up to six friends to toast to the new year with a glass of champagne or sparkling cider at the cost of $130 plus tax per party. From 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., guests have access to a lane, shoe rentals, party favors and six $5 arcade cards. Tickets for both events must be reserved online at oakbowl.com.

The noncompetitive people who want to have fun from the comfort of a chair might dig a night at Orlando’s Bar + Southern BBQ, where they can enjoy a show by the band Love Jazz and eat southern food as their friends give their best attempt at karaoke or pool. The “New Year’s Eve Social Night” takes place between 7 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. Dec. 31 at 656 South East Bayshore Drive in Oak Harbor.

Starting at 6 p.m. on Dec. 31, Off the Hook is hosting a 21+ only party featuring sushi, drinks, a balloon drop and a deejay who will be playing top hits, urban beats and throwbacks. The bar is located at 880 South East Pioneer Way in downtown Oak Harbor, and there is no entry fee.

Get wicked at the Wicked Teuton, located at 1341 South West Barlow Street, where Bobby Silver and the Fatdaddy will play live music starting at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31.

The Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce will end the year with a 20-minute fireworks show, which residents can enjoy from a vantage point somewhere around the city or while laying on a blanket at Windjammer Park. The event is free of charge and, weather permitting, will take place at the park between 9 and 10 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31. The chamber also welcomes volunteers to help clean up the fireworks fallout zone. Volunteers meet at Windjammer Park’s west end at 10 in the morning, and will be provided gloves and trash bags.

On Monday, Jan. 1, family and friends can join Navy sailors in running and diving into the new year. At 10 a.m., participants will meet at the base’s MWR Gym Fitness Center and run on 1.5 miles of trails. At 10:30, they will plunge at Rocky Point Recreation Area. After surviving the cold Puget Sound waters, people can warm up in front of a fireplace while enjoying hot cider, hot cocoa and s’mores. First 150 attendees can receive a free blanket or beanie. For more information, contact 360-257-2420.

Another fun outdoorsy activity is offered at Deception Pass State Park. Between 10 a.m. and noon on the first day of the year, visitors can enjoy a hike immersed in the park where they can spot birds and marine mammals. Hikers will meet at 10 a.m. at Bowman Bay where they can have a treat and a warm drink before breaking into groups. There are three beginner-friendly hikes to choose from: Rosario Head Hike, which is a two-mile round trip with a 100 feet gain; Lighthouse Loop Trail, another two-mile round trip with a gain of 150 feet; and a scavenger hunt around Bowman Bay, recommended for all ages. No registration is required, and dogs on leash are allowed.

Central Whidbey

At Fort Casey Historical State Park, visitors can learn about the military history of Fort Casey. Pooches are allowed on leash. Tours last one hour, and guests can choose to visit at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. on Jan. 1. To register, email centralwhidbeyinterpretation@parks.wa.gov.

From 9 to 11 a.m. on Jan. 1, weather permitting, community members can enjoy a four-mile bike ride through Fort Ebey State Park, where they can ask questions of Park Ranger Andrew Gonzales. The ride is moderately difficult for the average beginner, and attendees must wear a helmet. Riders can bring a regular bicycle or a pedal-powered e-bike. There are only 20 spots available, and prospective riders must pre-register by contacting centralwhidbeyintepretation@parks.wa.gov.

On the same day, Meerkerk Gardens is hosting a 90-minute guided walk around its greenery where visitors can learn about the plants, ecology, and history of the garden. After meeting at noon at the Gatehouse, visitors will walk on two miles of gravel and dirt trails through the cultivated gardens and forest. The tour will get canceled if there are high winds. People ages 12 and older pay $10 at the start of the tour. For more information, reach out to dburns@meerkerkgardens.org.

South Whidbey

Like every year, the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts is bringing stand-up comedians from the Seattle International Comedy Competition. Headliner is Sam Miller, who will joke about being a sober parent and the jails in Yakima. The event takes place between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31. WICA star tickets are $45, regular tickets are $30.

Since 2004, South Whidbey residents have been splashing into Puget Sound to start the year fresh and support the Island County 4-H Teen Leadership Club. The dive takes place Monday, Jan. 1 at Double Bluff Beach at 6325 Double Bluff Road in Freeland. Check in starts at 10:30 a.m., and the plunge is planned for noon. The $10 fee includes coffee, cocoa, cookies, bonfires and music. At an additional cost, divers can order a commemorative shirt, beanie or sweatshirt at shop.swparks.org/polar_bear_dive. Merch can be picked up during business hours at the South Whidbey Parks & Recreation admin building at 5475 Maxwelton Road in Langley after January 17.

Between 11 a.m. and noon of the same day, families with young children can take a stroll on an easy half mile hike in South Whidbey State Park. Leashed dogs are allowed. To participate, people must register by contacting centralwhidbeyinterpretation@parks.wa.gov.